Minimum size generator

[Garyr902]

Have a 2015 28’ FC and was wondering what would be the minimum Watt generator suggested for just basic shore power? No a/c or microwave. Thanks

[OTRA15]

Welcome to the forum. We have a Yamaha 1000 and run it off the low-pressure propane port. Works fine for keeping the batteries charged, and the fridge cool, but this is about the limit IMO.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Yama...=airforums.com
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...hc-188969.html

https://www.ypngg.com/ef1000is.htm

Small/compact and light at 27 lbs. -- very easy to carry, set up, and stow in the tow vehicle. Also a great emergency gen to have at home, running off a standard BBQ propane tank, for storms, hurricanes and so forth. Enough to run a small fridge someplace IMO.

The Generators sub-forum may also be a good place to look IMO: https://www.airforums.com/forums/f448/

Good luck,

[azflycaster]

I use a Honda 1000 when just charging the batteries. Some have reported that larger capacity converters will push the limits of a 1K generator. An electric/gas refrigerator will pull 4 or more amps which only leave you 4 amps for the converter. It you are hitting the limit, keep the refrigerator on Propane.

[Bill M.]

Depends upon what loads you want to run on "basic" power. The power converter is on all the time and could draw a good bit of power when the batteries are down and you are on generator. I have seem mine at 7 amps draw. Coffepot? hair dryer? Otra did not say what he runs on his 1000 except charging. My guess is that unless there is a special need to have it smaller one of the 2200 watt generators would be near a minimum to charge and make coffee at the same time. I do not really know. I have been carrying and running a Honda 2000 for the last 12 years. It is a bit heavy for me now but I hate to give it and the extra power up to go smaller.

[moosetags]

We have found that a Honda 2000 can handle the entire trailer without using the air conditioner or heat pump.

Brian

[Garyr902]

Thanks. That’s what I have.

[tbrowne]

No smaller than 2000 Watts in my opinion.

[Bhmack]

No smaller than 2000 and a 2200i from Honda will cover everything including an a/c with smart start.

[DKB_SATX]

I don't have a good feel for the footprint difference between the 1kw and 2kw inverter generators, but the 2kw Honda is only about 18 lb heavier and the "street price" is only about 15% more for more than double the peak output (for Honda, e.g., the little one is still 1000w but the next size up is 2200w)

[OTRA15]

The 1000 is a very good tool for a specific job [per Post #2] IMO.

One can never have "too many tools" . . .

Need 2200 watts?

Buy the 2000 also!

Choose your tools for the trip at hand, just like building a house. Take some with you . . . leave some home . . . KISS . . . avoid analysis paralysis.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Garyr902

Have a 2015 28’ FC and was wondering what would be the minimum Watt generator suggested for just basic shore power? No a/c or microwave. Thanks

Here's the problem. That 28' has lots of creature comforts. One day you'll be in a beautiful spot, but the outside temperature will be 90 deg. You'll be thinking, "I wish I had a bigger generator."
I have a 3000, but look with envy at the 7000.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

. . .
. . . but look with envy at the 7000.
. . .

Have you considered selling the trailer, and getting an RV, in order to tow enough generator for your needs?




Happy trails,

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by OTRA15

Have you considered selling the trailer, and getting an RV, in order to tow enough generator for your needs?




Happy trails,

I had an RV with a 5500 Onan. 50 amp service with the push of a button!
I just know the guy who says, "I don't need the A/C or microwave" will have a wife with a hair dryer.
The right generator is the largest one that fits under the tonneau. (You pioneers with the hamster running on a wheel have my admiration, but "roughing it" to me is when the ice maker is down).
To be honest, although I have the 3K, I almost never use it. So far every place has power. Night at WalMart? Not yet, maybe this year. Boondocking? Not yet, maybe this year.

[OTRA15]

What is an "ice maker" please?

[Bill M.]

I am interested in what the OP asked the question seeing that he already has a 2000. Are you thinking about going to a smaller generator than that? If you have a EMS you could probably get a good idea of the loads for what you want to run. I run my microwave and my AC with a 2000 but have thought about how much lighter a 1000 might feel. I know I am not likely to actually downsize though. Will replace the 2000 with a 2200 if it gives up.

[CBWELL]

The big question to me is "how often are you going to use the gen set?". I had a 3500W Honds with electric start the I carried for several years, when I was younger and could easily lift into the bed of the truck. I also carried a Honda 500W. The 3500W was sold last year with about 25 hours of use. I looked at the Honda 2200W, and was at the local Lawn and garden dealer and he had the Ducar brand 2000W generators in stock at half the price of the Honda. I bought 2, with the parallel kit for slightly more than 1 Honda. They compare in noise level to the Honda, weight wise they are about the same, and have almost the same warranty. The Harbour Freight generators are about the same. IF I was goung to use the generators 100 hours or more a year, then I would have bought the Honda's. The smaller generators are light enough that the wife can put them in the bed of the truck and set them up if needed. In 10 years they might not resell for as good a price as the Honda, but I really don't care! JMHO

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

. . .
. . . how much lighter a 1000 might feel.
. . .

Post #2:

Originally Posted by OTRA15

. . .
. . . a Yamaha 1000 . . .
. . .
Small/compact and light at 27 lbs. -- very easy to carry, set up, and stow in the tow vehicle.
. . .

Ah . . .